Thousands of people marched through downtown Seattle on Saturday for the third annual Womxn's March.
The march kicked off three days of activism, which includes a traditional rally along with workshops and training sessions.
The march began Saturday morning with a rally in Cal Anderson Park. This year the speaker line-up included area women of color who serve as community activists, spiritual leaders, and a poet. Speakers called on participants to be a voice for those who couldn't speak up and the change they wished to see.
“As long as there is breath in your body, you have the ability to turn things around,” said Dr. Rev. Kelle Brown, lead pastor of Plymouth Church Seattle.
Liz Hunter-Keller, a spokesperson for the event, said no politicians were asked to speak at the rally, but many were invited to attend as participants. Only community organizers were asked to speak at the rally.
"We see things like Brett Kavanaugh being confirmed to the Supreme Court, the shutdown happening right now, I think those sorts of things will fuel people still coming out and responding very loudly," said march organizer Liberty Harrington.
From there, marchers began their journey to Seattle Center, embarking on the downtown streets to the tune of Beyonce's "Run The World (Girls)."
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan was among local leaders and influencers who marched.
"It’s so incredible to see everyone out today for the Womxn’s March in Seattle.," Durkan said in a tweet. "We can’t build walls - we have to build bridges. Seattle is marching today to say we are stronger when we come together for inclusion and equality. We are delivering a message of hope and unity.
It was a smaller group that took to the streets this year; in 2017 a peaceful march drew 175,000 people. March organizers anticipated nearly 80,000 people would attend the rally and march scheduled for Saturday.
They believe about 10,000 attended the march.
Many marchers were focused on inclusivity - making sure people of all genders and races felt welcome. It's why march organizers use the "X" in womxn - to include other gender identities.
"I just want it to be known that we do care about their rights as well," said Satory Adams.
After the march ended at Seattle Center, marchers were encouraged to participate in "Activism 101" workshops designed to "energize" and "activate" future leaders.
On Sunday, the second annual "Womxn Act on Seattle" invites people to attend workshops, lectures, training and other discussions aimed at connecting participants with local leaders and activists engaged in grassroots campaigns.
"We have a whole day of workshops in action on Sunday in link with the march on Saturday. And that's women from impacted communities coming and speaking about their journey to other folks within the community to figure out how we can be stronger together," said organizer Liisa Spink.
All of Sunday's events will be spread across various Seattle neighborhoods and Tacoma. Start times and event topics will vary. People interested in attending should check the schedule of events.
Another march moves through Seattle on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The Womxn's March coalition is invited to attend the 14th annual march and day of service. Monday's schedule starts with a career fair before the rally and march at 11 a.m.
